Embryonic Stem Cell Research Pros And Cons

Embryonic stem cell research pros and cons is always a hot topic. But, what exactly is embryonic stem cell research and what are the arguments around it? Read on to see a comprehensive list of what is good and bad about the embryonic stem cell research.

Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Why Stem Cell Research Is Good

1. Embryonic Stem Cell Research Can Be Beneficial

The unique properties of embryonic stem cells can help shed light on how our bodies work. In turn, this can lead to further discoveries in medicine. Moreover, embryonic stem cell research can help doctors understand our bodies further. It will provide more opportunities for better diagnoses and treatments for various diseases.

2. Embryonic Stem Cell Research Can Eliminate the Need for Organ Donation

We all know the demand for organs far outweighs the supply, due to a limited number of organ donors. The cell-based therapy uses stem cells to replace damaged organ tissues. This offers a ray of hope for patients who are still waiting in line for new organs. For example, researchers can harvest healthy kidney cells from stem cells. It is then possible to give them to a patient with an ailing kidney, instead of waiting for months or even years for a healthy organ donation.

3. Embryonic Stem Cell Research Can Help Prevent Waste

Embryonic stem cells are embryos discarded from in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, which sometimes requires several trials before achieving success. Instead of disposing of the embryos, embryonic stem cell research makes use of these stem cells to discover new medicinal breakthroughs.

4. Embryonic Stem Cell Research Is Consensual

Specialists only take embryonic stem cells with parental consent. This includes even those discarded from IVF treatments. With that said, doctors harvest embryonic stem cells only upon parents’ permission.

You may have come across parents who wax poetic about the benefits of cord blood donation. This is an offshoot of embryonic stem cell research. It preserves the cells of a child’s blood from his or her umbilical cord. Many children with immunodeficiency diseases have benefited from this kind of treatment.

Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Why Stem Cell Research Is Bad

1. Embryonic Stem Cell Research Has Reported Side Effects

At the moment, the reported success of embryonic stem cell research is quite limited. There are many obstacles in achieving a positive breakthrough. Reported side effects include tumor formation and unstable genes. Furthermore, there were also cases when the cells were not able to activate.

2. Embryonic Stem Cell Research Is Fairly New

Embryonic stem cell research is in its early stages. There are a few studies at the moment dedicated to embryonic stem cells. There is no definitive study yet to make embryonic stem cell research conclusive.

3. Embryonic Stem Cells Have the Possibility of Rejection

Since the current success rate of embryonic stem cell research isn’t all that high, there is a chance that harvested embryonic stem cells can be rejected by the body. Moreover, it’s hard to guarantee compatibility between a patient and donor.

4. Embryonic Stem Cells Is Often Debated

The nature of embryonic stem cells is also questioned by various groups. Those coming from a specific religious stance point out that embryos still contain life. They still have a potential for functional activity and reproduction.

5. Embryonic Stem Cell Research Takes a Lot of Time and Money

It takes months and deep pockets to harvest embryonic stem cells that are beneficial. Given this, embryonic stem cell research is a costly alternative for patients.

Want to know more about stem cell research? Watch the Ted Talks video below for more info:

It is undoubtedly important to weigh embryonic stem cell research pros and cons. There are definite advantages to embryonic stem cells, but there are also disadvantages you may need to consider. It’s vital to do your own research as well before you take a stand on the embryonic stem cell research debate.

What are your thoughts on embryonic stem cell research pros and cons? Leave a comment below!

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